Fans of My Chemical Romance will enjoy the artsy emotionalism of prolific, prophetic North Jersey rocker Chucky Hugh, whose latest EP, “There’s Nothing In This World Under Control,” is an aptly titled release in the midst of a global pandemic. Unfortunately, the damn virus caused the cancellation of Chucky’s record release party this weekend, but with two other EPs and an LP under his creative belt, this guy’s a pro and will make it up to his large fan base.
The EP opens with a quasi-title track actually entitled “Undead” (just a slight mutation, and we’re dealing with zombies here, folks). He belts the line that alludes to the LP with a combination of the sadness and rage that the world feels right now. It will be great to hear this opener live when Chucky’s show opening for Michale Graves of The Misfits at Stanhope House is rescheduled.
Next up on the five-song EP is the single, “Sinner,” a strong statement against organized religion, particularly its hypocrisy. “Sinner” is the Makin Waves Song of the Week. You can hear the track 30 times at 5 and 11 a.m., 5 p.m. and midnight daily through Wednesday on thepenguinrocks.com and 6:45 p.m. on Friday and Monday on the station’s “Radio Jersey” show. A prettier but equally emotional acoustic version of “Sinner” closes the EP, which also features the dream-adelic breakup ballad “Above the Clouds” and a synth-ergetic cover of Billy Idol’s “Rebel Yell.”
Except for drums, Chucky performs all of “Control” himself, even did the artwork for the EP, and once again worked with Montville-based producer-engineer Mike Lisa. I expect this EP to grow Chucky’s fan base even larger and look forward to when he (and everyone else) can play out again. Hopefully his gig Aug. 14 at Midtown Arts Center in Harrisburg with Escape the Fate will remain intact.
Bob Makin is a reporter for MyCentralJersey.com and the former managing editor of The Aquarian Weekly, which launched this column in 1988. Contact him at [email protected]. And like Makin Waves on Facebook.
